Page 11 of Jagged Burn (Kidds Beach Fire Department #2)

Ashes And Embers

Stefan Grey

The room still smells like her. Sweat, heat, sex, and something softer underneath that’s just Anna. She’s sprawled across my chest, her hair a messy halo, her breathing slow and even. My arms are around her because I can’t bring myself to let go, not after what just happened.

I should feel guilty. I should be telling myself I took advantage of her vulnerability, that I crossed a line I swore I wouldn’t. But all I feel is peace. For the first time in years, maybe ever, the war inside me has gone quiet.

Her fingers twitch against my ribs. “You’re staring at the ceiling like it’s got the answers to life’s mysteries.”

I huff a laugh. “Maybe it does.”

She tilts her head up, eyes heavy-lidded but sharp. “Stop thinking so hard. Just be here.”

“I am here.” My hand slides down her back, palm settling at her waist. Warm, soft, real. “I just don’t believe it’s real.”

Her brow furrows. “What?”

“You. Me. This.” I swallow hard, staring at the ceiling again. “It feels like a dream. And dreams don’t last.”

She pushes herself up onto her elbows, glaring down at me. “Okay, first of all, rude. Second, if you’re about to go all martyr on me, save it. I’m not the fragile princess you tricked into bed, Stefan. I knew what I was getting into, mostly, and I know exactly what I want.”

“Mostly?”

“Well, I wasn’t expecting the monster between your legs but I’m not complaining.”

I chuckle but she isn’t done. Her tone turns sharp again, but her hands are gentle as she cups my face, scars and all. “And what I want is you. Every piece, every scar, every grumpy caveman grunt. Got it?”

I can’t breathe. My chest aches with how much I want to believe her.

“I don’t deserve you.” The words slip out before I can stop them.

“Bullshit.” She kisses me, fierce and unyielding, like she can burn the doubt right out of me. When she pulls back, her eyes are blazing. “You don’t get to decide what I deserve. That’s my choice. And I choose you.”

Christ. She’ll kill me with this.

I flip us in one motion, pinning her beneath me, but I don’t move, just hover above, my forehead pressed to hers. “You don’t know what you’re signing up for.”

“I know you better than almost anyone else.” Her smirk is wicked, even as her legs hook around my hips. “Also, I’m fairly sure we can’t undo the last hour. You did fuck me, thoroughly. Maybe even knock me up.”

I groan, half laughing, half undone. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re mine.” Her hands dig into my shoulders. “Say it, Stefan. Say I’m yours too.”

The words claw up my throat, terrifying and true. “You’re mine.”

She gasps, like the sound of it hits her as hard as it hits me. Her smile softens, turning tender. “Finally.”

I kiss her again, slower this time, not fire but embers, glowing steadily. Every touch feels like a vow I never thought I’d make. I’ll protect her. I’ll fight for her. I’ll burn down the world before I let anyone hurt her again.

When we break apart, she sighs contentedly, curling back into me. “You know what’s funny?”

“What?”

“I used to picture this when I was a teenager. Sneaking into your room, throwing myself at you, swearing I’d never love anyone else. I thought it was just a dumb crush. But it never went away.”

My throat tightens. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because you were Matt’s best friend. And because I thought you’d laugh at me.”

“Annie.” I tip her chin up, forcing her to see the truth in my eyes. “I’ve never laughed at you. Not once.”

She smiles softly, brushing her thumb over the jagged skin of my cheek. “I know that now.”

The weight in my chest loosens a little. Not gone, but lighter. We lie there in silence, her heartbeat steady against mine. My mind wants to race, to sabotage, to remind me that peace doesn’t last. But I force myself to stay here, in this moment, with her.

Because if this is all I get, I’ll take it. And if I get more, if she really means forever, then maybe, just maybe, I’m allowed to hope.